< Luke 2 >
1 And in those days it occurred, that a decree went forth from Augustus Caesar, that all the people of his dominion should be enrolled.
2 And this enrollment was first made under the presidency of Quirinus in Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be enrolled.
4 And Joseph also went up from Nazareth of Galilee to Judaea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 with Mary his espoused, then pregnant, to be enrolled.
6 And it was while they were there, that the days for her to bring forth were completed.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in bandages, and laid him in the stall; for they had no place where they could lodge.
8 And there were shepherds in that region, who abode there and kept watch of their flocks by night.
9 And lo, the angel of God came to them, and the glory of the Lord shone upon them: and they feared with great fear.
10 And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold I announce to you great joy, which will be to all the world.
11 For there is born to you this day a deliverer, who is the Lord Messiah, in the city of David
12 And this is the sign for you: Ye will find the babe wrapped in bandages, and placed in a stall.
13 And instantly there were seen with the angel, the many hosts of heaven, praising God, and saying:
14 Glory to God in the highest heavens, and on earth peace and good hope for men.
15 And it was so, that when the angels had gone from them into heaven, the shepherds conferred with one another, and said: Let us go down to Bethlehem, and see this thing which hath occurred, as the Lord hath made known to us.
16 And they came hastily, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe laid in the stall.
17 And when they saw, they made known the information which was given to them concerning the child.
18 And all that heard, wondered at the things that were told them by the shepherds.
19 And Mary laid up all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all that they had seen and heard, as it was told them.
21 And when the eight days for the circumcision of the child were completed, his name was called JESUS; as he was named by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb
22 And when the days of their purification were completed, according to the law of Moses, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him before the Lord:
23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, that every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord: )
24 and to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons.
25 And there was a certain man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon. This man was upright and just, and was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26 And it had been told him by the Holy Spirit, that he would not see death, until he should see the Messiah of the Lord.
27 This man came, by the Spirit, into the temple; and when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him as is commanded in the law,
28 he took him in his arms, and blessed God, and said:
29 My Lord, now release thou thy servant in peace, as thou hast said:
30 for lo, my eyes have seen thy mercy,
31 which thou hast prepared in the presence of all nations,
32 a light for a revelation to the Gentiles, and a glory for thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother were astonished at those things which were spoken concerning him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold, this child is set forth for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, and for a standard of contention;
35 (and also a dart will pierce thy own soul); that the thoughts of the hearts of many may be disclosed.
36 And Hanna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, she also was aged in days, and, from her maidenhood, had lived seven years with her husband,
37 and was a widow of about eighty and four years, and departed not from the temple, but worshipped by day and by night with fasting and prayer;
38 and she too stood up, in that hour, and gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to every one that waited for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 And when they had accomplished all things, according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew, and was strengthened in spirit, and was filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.
41 And his people went up to Jerusalem every year, at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to the feast, as they were accustomed.
43 And when the days were completed, they returned: but the child Jesus remained at Jerusalem, and Joseph and his mother knew not of it;
44 for they supposed he was with his companions. And when they had travelled a day's journey, they sought him among their people, and inquired of every one that knew them.
45 And they did not find him. And they returned again to Jerusalem, searching for him.
46 And after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, and listening to them, and asking them questions.
47 And all they that heard him, were astonished at his wisdom and his answers.
48 And when they saw him they were amazed. And his mother said to him: My son, why hast thou done so to us? For lo, I and thy father have been seeking for thee with great anxiety.
49 He said to them: Why did ye seek me? Do ye not know, that it behooveth me to be in my Father's house?
50 But they did not comprehend the word that he spoke to them.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. And his mother laid up all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in stature, and in wisdom, and in grace, before God and men.
